Saturday, July 30, 2011

What would you change or keep in canon if you were in charge of the DCnU?

I'd keep most of Boosters' history but Extreme Justice didn't happen. Booster just got armor until Superman helped him replace his costume and he never lost an arm. ICBINTJL/FKATJL still never happened. He also has his golden pants.

Marriages of Clark Kent/Lois Lane, Barry Allen/Iris West and any other current unwed couple that were formerly husband and wife still exists (except Ollie/Dinah.) Superman is not a brooding loner as that's Bruces' job. The Kents are alive and well with Chris Kent in limbo awaiting their return.

Barbara Gordon is still Oracle and while a little bit younger is still Dick Graysons' senior. Cassandra Cain and Stephanie Brown fight crime together in the buddy team up book. Cass was never Tims' villain, she never worked for the league of assassins.

The WTF Jason Todd stories (a.k.a. the blob from Nightwing, BFTC, the red head stories from Morrison/Winick, and Countdown never happened. Countdown happened for no one.) The only in canon stories for him as Red Hood are all the non-red headed Winick penned stories and Johns Teen Titans appearance. Since Jason is younger now (canonically he's almost 2 years older than Tim) the thing with Talia has to be taken out. He was barely legal as it was.

Connor Hawke and Mia both exist. Lian (along with other babies) is alive even if she's a bit younger. Roy had her when he was what, 18/19? If need be he could have been younger. She's the reason his character had such a huge impact on me. A single dad that's a super hero and recovered drug addict. I don't care if this makes Ollie a grandpa, he wasn't around her that much anyway.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Seems the waves of the SDCC confrontation over the lack of women both in the stories and behind the scenes is being taken seriously by DC. Over at the Source:

Over the past week we’ve heard from fans about a need for more women writers, artists and characters. We want you to know, first and foremost, that we hear you and take your concerns very seriously.

We’ve been very fortunate in recent years to have fan favorite creators like Gail Simone, Amy Reeder, Felicia Henderson, Fiona Staples, Amanda Connor, G. Willow Wilson and Nicola Scott write and draw the adventures of the World’s Greatest Super Heroes.

DC Comics is the home of a pantheon of remarkable, iconic women characters like Wonder Woman, Lois Lane, Batgirl, Batwoman, Catwoman and Supergirl as well as fan favorite characters like Black Canary, Katana, Mera and Starfire. We’re committed to telling diverse stories with a diverse point of view. We want these adventures to resonate in the real world, reflecting the experiences of our diverse readership. Can we improve on that? We always can—and aim to.

We’ll have exciting news about new projects with women creators in the coming months and will be making those announcements closer to publication. Many of the above creators will be working on new projects, as we continue to tell the ongoing adventures of our characters. We know there are dozens of other women creators and we welcome the opportunity to work with them.

Our recent announcements have generated much attention and discussion and we welcome that dialogue.

I can see why a writer would want to get rid of IC and one year later but it saddens me to think Boosters' role might not carry on in the relaunch. The writers once said that the only way having a new Blue Beetle would work was if Booster introduced him. I'd hate to see that go.

Here's a picture of happier times as Booster saves Jaime by jumping through time (which no one ever questions) and his friends are pleased to see him alive. Seriously, after the way Booster gets kicked around my heart melts when he's shown affection. Even if it gets Guy miffed (he's handling it much better than he would in the old days.)

The mysterious man who's charged with protecting the timeline and teaching Booster Gold how to be a Time Master. Time travel isn't without it's ironies.

Why he's important to Booster:Yes, I really do think Rips' the most important character in Boosters' story and here's why. He was the reason for Booster going into the past as he invented the time sphere Booster used to escape with. Now he's guiding Booster towards his destiny and out of all of the characters is putting in the most effort to help him evolve into the hero he is becoming. Rips' a teacher, a friend with good advise and unbeknownst to Booster his son. More than anything else in any comic printed about Booster, nor any character Rips' mere existence says a hell of a lot about him. Because just as he's helping Booster reach his potential Booster shapes Rip into the man he becomes. The one needs the other to exist and thrive. While we don't know everything about Rip it's pretty clear he doesn't have the issues a lot of children have with their superhero parents. He has a healthy relationship with his father, is highly capable and very cultured. Proof that Booster will become not just a great Time Master but a good father.

Suggested Reading: Time Masters Vanishing Point 1-6,Booster Gold #30 and 31 Vol.2 Since this is the last of these I'm adding a few more suggested books. TMVP because of Rips' childhood flashbacks and how he leads the team. #30 for Rips' talk with future Michael and #31 for his bond with Booster while they talk about Michelle and how to save a family dog.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Guess I'll have to offically throw my time travel only rule out the window. DC Source has some artwork on one of the character dubbed The Horsewoman.

“The Horsewoman is one of the seven Demon Knights, flung together by a desperate battle,” said series writer Paul Cornell. “She’s a mysterious rider who tries to stay apart, on a lonely journey across Medieval Europe. She can ride, but she can’t walk, supported in her saddle by magic and invention. She has an absolute affinity for all horses, and she’s the greatest archer in history. She tries hard not to care, but always ends up helping those who need her. And the little village Etrigan’s reluctant team end up defending from enormous odds is going to need her now.”

I admit I'm intruiged, although I never was into this sort of comic I do like movies and tv shows with swords and magic. Plus I'm curious to see how she works in this. I can't recall seeing a character that can't move their legs in a medieval setting. I'm glad I decided to try this out, it might be a nice change of pace from normal superhero titles. In my head canon I think Roy has to be related to her.

Boosters' robot pal and former co-worker at the museum he worked at. His history teacher, "couch", and most importantly his friend.

Why he's important to Booster:Skeets helped Booster adjust to the past by providing information and acting as his conscience. Booster views Skeets as a lifeform telling his sister not to "hurt his feelings" and often acts distraught when the robot is damaged. While Jurgens has teased that Rip has updated this version and we the readers can take that however we want. Skeets' loyalty to Booster overrides his trust in Rip when he refused to provide any information on his scan on Black Beetle. While he has disagreed with Booster he has never willfully betrayed or left him. It's a bickering bond but the two truly care for each other. In years to come Skeets will still be with the Carter family as Booster raises his son.

Suggested Reading:Booster Gold #2 Vol.2 Yes there are many great Skeets moments but I chose this one for one reason. Skeets hitting Sinstro in the head while yelling "No man escapes the Manhunters!"

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Another post that has nothing to do with time travel but I found it interesting. This woman was dressed as Batgirl (Steph) at SDCC as she asked questions at different DC Panels. It created something of a stir online. Lots of fans that weren't even there called her names, some call her a hero. This tells her point of view on what happened.

Now I want to try out Demon Knights when I previously had no plans on picking it up. When a writer actually makes an effort like that I think the book deserves a chance. Maybe Batwoman too, because I just got a trade during Boarders going out of business sale and loved it. Never thought a superhero with an army backround would fascinate me so much. It brought a level of realism you don't see too often in comics.

I usually don't have a big list like some at my new LCS do (seriously you'd think their getting tpbs with the thickness of their piles) usually around three not including mini series. If I try out Teen Titans this will be seven, the most ongoing titles I've gotten since my Marvel days when I got most of the Spider and X books. I liked Scott Lobdell (Red Hood and TT writer) when he was over at Marvel and have loved what he's said about his books. I mostly get books that have the characters I love, it doesn't hurt if I like the creative teams but class goes a long way too.

I wasn't listing these in any real order for most of this list but the last few are in order. Their the characters I think matter the most to Booster, his story thus far or going forward. And a big part of his story had to do with Ted Kord.

Why he's important to Booster:His best friend, partner in business ventures, the guy that got him into his insane schemes and the hero that saw Booster better than most. Ted could be both helpful and harmful to Booster as their bond helped soften readers to Booster or made them write the two off as "idiots." In comics Teds' been there for his best bud through some of the worst of times. I read an essay once that said that Booster by nature, perhaps because he's a twin, needs a partner of some sort. The two certainly seem more like the stereotypical twins personality wise than Michelle and him do. Ted has trouble getting dates, he's the inventor, the geek and the most naive of the two. He can help balance out Booster or send the two into one of their arguments. I've seen it said that J'onn is the soul of the league. well I say that Blue and Gold were the heart of JLI. Funny, sometimes irrational but always with the best intentions.

Suggested Reading:Countdown to Infinite CrisisYes, there are better written stories, certainly more lighthearted ones with this pair. I chose this one because despite it's many flaws most of the scenes with Ted and Booster feel spot on. Reading it before I knew too much about these guys was already heart breaking but knowing what's to come and how it will affect Booster? You see how much Ted and their friendship mattered. That both were causalities not just because of Maxs' actions but the lack of action of the other heroes. It's the start of a big change in Boosters' life and the end of what came before. Even though Ted didn't know all the details in the story he knew better than anyone else in their community what sort of person Booster is. He's the sort to take a shot meant for someone else because "that's what you do for your friends."

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

I try not to stray too far off anything time travel related on this blog but I saw something that bugs me about Batman/Teen Titan lore. I've been reading up on Roy Harper, Starfire and Jason Todd (the well written one) to get ready for Red Hood and the Outlaws. While doing this I noticed how dismissive the bat family seems to be about the Dick/Kory romance--including Dick! But all of that takes place long after they broke off but still they were in love. But as nasty as the writers could retcon Dick as being to Kory (and yes Barbara too) Bruce has always been pretty cold.

Is Bruce biogoted? He's called both Superboy and Kory "the alien." When Dick was getting married to Kory he never bothered to show up. In a flashback in Gotham Knights #43 he tells Barbara that Dick still loves her (she claims it was a crush) and says "the thing with the alien won't last." I know Bruce likes Barbara with Dick but does he really strike anyone as the type to get in the middle of anyone elses romantic life?

I could see him grunting in disapproval but not outright telling someone that his kid is in love with them and their current lover won't last. What would he say if Dick did marry Kory? "Don't worry their get divorced soon"? I just hope that there's an arc with Bruce facing the Outlaws with them telling him off or him seeing how great an influence Kory would be on Jason. Because as much as I love him I hate when Bruce acts like this. Actually I'm not sure if Bruce would like her any better if she helped Jason or resent the fact it wasn't him.

Booster Golds' twin sister that follows the family tradition of stealing a costume to become a superhero. Kind of, unlike her brother Michelle doesn't really have a desire to be a hero but uses the suit to help her brother.

Why she's important to Booster: Michelle is the one person in Booster life that acts as his connection to his time. She knows him better than anyone else in his life (yes better than Ted.) While Jurgens doesn't explore their dynamics like most would in comics being a twin is usually a big thing. It's usually written as being half of a whole. Ironically (because I don't think many writers were aware of him being a twin) Booster has been in storylines where other twins fall apart without their siblings. Michelle is certainly supposed to brighten her brothers' life according to Rip who said she would "make things easier." She doesn't put up with Boosters' crap but she loves him enough to forgive him for his mistakes. Because Michelle knows Michael is a good person and sees that better than either of their parents. According to her creator Michelle acts as a reminder of how Booster should act in ways Skeets or Rip can't be.

Suggested Reading:Booster Gold #15 Vol.2 Michelle bends the rules to get her picture done by a famous artist, the siblings bicker and general family fun is had.

Monday, July 25, 2011

The mysterious man who started Justice League International. A man who, friend or foe always kept others guessing. Like Booster he's got a lot of depth and isn't always as easy to read.

Why he's important to Booster:Max fulfilled one of Boosters' greatest ambitions by putting him in the Justice League. They were good friends which made it all the worse when Max killed Boosters' best friend. While Broderick was the first foe to really feel a personal connection to Booster with Max we get one that's had a lot of panel time with him over the years. It's also obvious that Max still considers him a friend, even acting more emotional around him than with the other league members. They also share some questionable moral choices due to Boosters' job as a Time Master and Maxs' more murderous plans. Ted Kord once noted that they learned all their tricks from him. Is it any wonder Max knows them so well? Facing Max might be what's needed for Booster to develop his skills as a Time Master since plotting cause and effect are a huge part of the job. Something Max has already mastered and perfected.

Suggested Reading:Justice League: Generation Lost # 5 Called out for forming JLI and twisting the members to his purpose again Max appears to admit he thinks the world needs them. Booster knows his greatest weakness is not knowing when he's being screwed over. He doesn't even know that he's being lead towards another goal. In the end Booster recalls when he told Max his origin and we get a glimpse of how it all started. Making their present day fighting all the more tragic.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Booster returns from visiting Rip to ask his friends to help the Time Master only to witness this scene. Were they poisoned? Attacked by an enemy? Knocked out to keep the oreoes untouched?

None of the above. J'onn decided to talk about Mars which bored the others so much they fell asleep. Well I'm sure Max and Batman would agree that boredom was their leagues' greatest foe. The irony is that Boosters' likely the only other member on the team that would be interested in what J'onn said. Lots of people forget his major was history (mainly superhero history but still.)

Coming to work from Kansas for the new up and coming hero Booster Gold as his receptionist Trixie got to see him at his highs and lows.

Why she's important to Booster: Trixie was Boosters' first actual friend after he arrived in the past. Despite Skeets warning him to keep a distance from others and to never to reveal his past (Skeets still told Superman) Booster was honest when she asked for answers. She's the first person to really look past the image, to notice that for all his desire for fame Booster had kept details from them. And maybe he wasn't really happy because other than Skeets, Dirk and her who did he really have? By reaching out she helped bring out his better qualities. See Trixie had it pretty bad for Booster and it looked like he never noticed. To make matters worse he made it clear to everyone that he wasn't the type to get tied down. While Trixie attempted to move on with Dirk she still supported Booster right to the end of his series. A character that might come off as mousy at first Trixie puts her foot down when she needs to. Compassionate and (as much as I hate to say it) better at using the Goldstar uniform than Michelle has been. She's tied with Broderick as a character I'd like to see more of.

Suggested Reading:Booster Gold # 13, 14 and 15 Vol.1 This was her first and only appearances as Goldstar. Trixie doesn't want to wear the suit but realizing she's the only one who can fit the costume she dons it to save Boosters' life. And make a quip about his booty as well. She's heroic and very supportive as Booster faces his demons and admits to his failings.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Daniel is Boosters' present day ancestor that seems to have a lot in common with Booster on the surface. He's also a former football star that lost it all. A guy that wants fame and glory. But unlike Booster he lacks the drive to achieve his goals and seems to fail because of twists of fate rather than mistakes he's made. He's not a good sales man but does have a moral center to help others despite his own misgivings about playing the hero. Gotta say that Daniel handles the news that he has to marry a particular woman and have kids to ensure the Carter family survives better than most would.

Why he's important to Booster: He's the first blood relative Boosters' had since Michelle and starts his familys' heroic blood line. Ironically Daniel is often labelled an idiot by his descendant because of his behavior. Booster looks at Daniel and sees all of his own failings. When Daniel succeeds like he did in 52 or tries like he did in Blackest Night Boosters' proud. When he doesn't live up to his potential it disappoints him. While not sharing too much panel time with each other Booster seems to have enough of a relationship with Daniel that he can pop up to hang out and has stayed at his house for awhile.

Suggested Reading: 52 # 52 This has Daniels' first appearance as Supernova and shows his biggest moment of glory to date--one few were present to witness. He's freaked out about being dragged into this scary situation and wants to go home. But he still agrees to go through with it and even tells Booster to man up when he has doubts. When it comes down to an important moment he catches a football pass and saves everything proving Booster does come from good stock.

Friday, July 22, 2011

The Jim Lee designs are making it into figures although that was kind of expected. Don't get me wrong, they look amazing but I'd like more of a variety instead of getting the same figures all the time. There are a few newbies being made like Catman and the Legion of Superheroes 12-pack. (The 12-pack is supposed to have a gag "figure" with Invisible Boy not actually being made.) JSA get more figures too. Apparently there's going to be a shift to do figures from DCnU soon.

What I'd like to see from the Relaunch lines:

JLI figures of Ice, Fire (flamed up version too), Rocket Red, Max Lord, and Booster Gold (I'd be willing to buy him in that outfit if it's based on the current artist.)

Bat kids in their new looks, Nightwing, Red Robin (I'm on the fence on this design), Red Hood (don't like the "face" of the mask but the look is his this time), although it's not coming out in DCnU I want a Black Bat too. Damians' Robin figure should be out soon so no need to remake it for the feathered cape.

And some how I still want a freaking Rip Hunter figure, either his causal wear or the green/red outfit he wore during the TMVP mini.

At present Jaime and Booster have an ill defined relationship. Generally their on friendly terms but Jaime has expressed some frustration with Booster dragging him into heroics (only in projects Giffin has written thus far.)

Why he's important to Booster: The most obvious reason is that Jaime is Teds' legacy and he wants to see it live on and thrive. I think it's obvious that Booster sees Jaime as his own person rather than trying to relive his friendship with Ted. Like his leadership potential I think Jaime shows another strength that he really hasn't fully tapped yet: mentorship. No, he's not quite there yet and Jaime never had one in the strictest sense. Still, Booster seems to be something of a big brother around Jaime. He knows more, can joke around and still mess up a little in a way mentors aren't really allowed. While Jaime can further learn how to be a hero I think Boosters' learning how to be a role model.

Suggested Reading:Booster Gold # 26-27 Vol. 2 First multi-parter I've suggested. While the first part doesn't have them interacting it is interesting to note how Jaime feels about Booster. He's fine with sharing notes on Black Beetle with Skeets and shows some loyalty and protectiveness for BG. Even though facing an undead Ted Kord is unsettling Jaime does so regardless of himself just because he knows Boosters' going to have a harder time with it. Part two has Jaime showing he's one of the more mature teens in comics. He's continues to urge Booster to fight back against Ted, tries to cool things when BG is yelling at Rip and asks to go along so Booster won't go alone. He's the moral support during a very hard time and I think he does a better time in helping Booster deal with it than all of the adult heroes did (including Wonder Woman) during the flashback.

In turn Booster is honest in a way he can't be to the rest of the world, with his secrets and his emotions. He let's Jaime see it all without a hint of regret and is able to get some closure enough to find the right words. While what he says to say goodbye to Ted is simple I think his words to Jaime are better. Boosters' obviously proud that the Blue Beetle legacy is in good hands and encourages Jaime to be himself which is really fitting coming from Booster, a character that shines best when he stops pretending.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

When asked if Booster will time travel in JLI Jurgens said, "Not right away no"

If Booster knows this is a reboot/relaunch will be answered in the last BG issue.

Thoughts: I think the first two have already been confirmed a few times. I'm guessing the new character is Alex from BG? Either she turns out to be a streaker or she makes some mean chocolate. HA! Take that Didio and you're flip flopping self! Thank you for giving me hope Jurgens! I love that part of Boosters' life. I'm hoping Booster knows but I'm doubting it.

Others information:

To make Barry special he's going to be the only speedster for awhile. Wally West isn't going to appear in the Flash book.

Despite saying Steph Brown is benched not too long ago Didio has confirmed with a "yes" that she'll appear.

Speaking of Steph, apparently she was never Robin or isn't considered one. They said there were only four Robins.

Jason Todds' hair is back to black

Too annoyed to properly talk about Clark and Lois. Or rather the lack of.

Sadly no in story for whether or not Lex Luthor stole 40 cakes in this canon.

Lian Harper is wiped from canon. :( Sounds like it was a call from the higher ups. But Roy never did drugs? Really? (This was only mentioned at one site. There's no quote at the others. I'm pretty sure Lobdell said Roy was a recovering addict in a previous interview.)

The Art:

Captain Atom isn't as shiny as he used to be. He's more glowy.

WTF is up with the Red Hood helmet? The eyes should not look like Deadpools' when expressing emotion. And please get rid of the "face" on the helmet.

Selina honey, you're hanging out of your top on one side.

Love seeing the Adam West bat-polls. Little Damian looks his age.

Is the Joker a fighter now? Don't like his look. But I HATE the Riddlers'. Seriously, they shaved a question mark into his head? I'm really curious why that little girl is locked in Arkham.

The art to what I assume is Batwing looks amazing.

The blonde woman in JLI (who I thought was supposed to be Michelle at first) is she Lady G? What happened to the dark haired woman on the JLI cover that was removed?

From a Plastic Man issue I believe, he set up some sort of sting to capture a bad guy by inviting fellow heroes to a party. I don't get it but look how much fun it is! It's a Where's Waldo of the superhero set! Batgirl (Cassandra Cain) is perched unmasked in the upper right corner. Her friend Spoiler is on the dance floor with Superboy and Animal Man. Some younger JSA members are having a debate in the lower right corner. Nightwing (Next to Steel) is getting dragged onto the dance floor while talking to Tim Drake.

The left side has who I think are the Inferior Five in the back. Ted Kord next to Impluse on the dance floor. A guardian in front of the D.J. And my favorite part Booster and Guy talking. Guy doesn't like the set up and Booster is frustrated with Guy not taking the night off. Doesn't that sound more like a remark coming from a date? The Ice next to Booster isn't Tora, BTW. I wonder if superheroes enjoy wearing their costumes as much as possible, they seem to have them on no matter what the occasion.

This is the one I debated the most on even putting on the list. As much as I like the idea of Rani the character didn't do much and at times I wondered if she was even necessary at all considering the fact we know Boosters' going to have an intelligent child he loves to death. Then the character was used as an excuse for Michelles' out of character behavior. But Rani did introduce a concept that wasn't used before and for that reason she's up here.

Why she's important to Booster:Isn't unclear if Rani was destined to end up with Booster or not. She's not in the flashbacks Rip has growing up with his parents. But she does provide a new struggle for the hero. For the first time in his history Booster is forced to consider himself in a role as a parent. While I don't agree with everyone from Michelle to Skeets pushing him towards this goal it does bring some good insight towards his character. In canon Booster does like children, but this is the first we hear of his uncertainty as a father figure. Something that does make sense when you consider his own father but he also sees his flaws as a person as reasons he wouldn't make a good parent.

Suggested Reading: Booster Gold #38 Vol.2 Ignoring the teeth grating depiction of Michelle this issue shows Boosters' parent-like concern when he finds the lost Rani. It's a very real reaction that comes across more like a guardian than any of his sisters' reactions after the girl gets into dangerous situations. When overwhelmed with concern Booster uses his head to move heaven and hell to find her. This in my opinion, is the best example of his concerns with not being a good father to her and proving he would make a good one. Of course we already knew that with Rip but this is the first time this was explored linearly. And since we'll likely never see Rip born on panel we still get to see this growth.

One time Superman and Batman found a huge amount of Kryptonite on earth. They asked for the help of all their fellow superheroes in collecting it. Being good sports about it a lot of heroes agreed to aid the search. Despite being on better terms with the man of steel Booster still has the impulse to keep a piece for himself as souvenir.

There are so many things that I love about this page. That Bruce is way up there with his back up to others and he still knows what Booster is trying to do. And I have to ask "what pockets"? Seriously, just where was Booster keeping it because that outfit can't hide anything. See that box he's holding? I don't know what's funnier, that Booster attempted to get away with that obvious shape under his costume or that no one but Batman noticed it.

Then there's the real disappoint on his face that he can't keep the substance that kills Superman. I love that all of this is taking place in front of him too. It's a shame we didn't see Supermans' expression, it would either be an exasperated look or a WTF one. And finally I love the double meaning to Starfires' words and her total amusement to the situation. Normally he'd get talked down to for even considering this but their all smiles as they seem to find it endearing.

The smartest guy in the Legion of Superheroes, a hero that comes from villainous stock. Brainy has a connection to Booster Gold no matter what continuity.

Why he's important to Booster:Booster gets two important bits of tech from Brainy: his Legion Flight ring and his forcefield belt. Post-Crisis the Legion helped Booster on his first mission to save the President of the United States. Realizing that criminal they had tracked actually needed to be a hero in that time Brainy voluntary gave up his equipment so it would eventually end up in the museum Booster worked at. Post-Infinite Crisis it's revealed that in Boosters' future the two are good friends. Brainy helps by providing updated tech, allowing Booster to borrow other items and helping train Rip Hunter. Since Brainy has little patience for most people the fact that he becomes such good friends with Booster speaks very highly of our golden hero. Since Jurgens always made sure Brainy was the one he got his tech from this might have been in the cards all along.

Suggested Reading: Time Masters: Vanishing Point #3 This gives us the first impression of what kind of relationship Brainy and Booster will have. It's comforting to know that Booster will have someone in the superhero community not only supporting him but actively helping him in his efforts. Plus he's cool with letting a young Rip use his flight ring to take off over his lab. He must have a special regard for the Carters.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

No, this isn't a mistake because Lex was set up to be a major player in the first series in a plot that has since been all but forgotten. But Booster was on his way to be Lexs' rival on a level that Superman never could be: in business.

Why he's important to Booster:Back when making money was a serious pursuit Booster ran into Luthor when the man noticed how threatening BG could be as a competitor. Deciding to prevent Booster from succeeding on his level Luthor bought out the company our golden hero was interested in and tried to stick it to him. Only Booster knew the company was going to tank which is why he tricked the other man into buying it. While Luthor would end up winning the war this short lived feud showed how cunning and ruthless Booster could be. It's easy to see why Superman wouldn't be thrilled with Booster if he saw this side of him.

Suggested Reading:Booster Gold #23 Vol. 1. This issue takes place right after Michelles' funeral which might explain a little of Boosters' attitude although he plays it off as being fine. Trixie wants answers since she's been seeing anti-Superman speeches from BG--which is impossible as he was away with JLI when it all started. Going to investigate Booster finds out Luthor has made a Booster robot that's beating Superman up. He defeats it to discover the link between Luthor only to have the evidence stolen from his grasps. Now while he's jerky towards Superman and is still grieving his sister I truly believe Luthor brings out the worst in him. Because his talk with the man when he crashes his party is brutal. Yes, Luthor gets the last laugh by later taking over Boosters' property but it's amazing he didn't have his enemy murdered. Lex Luthor has killed for lesser reasons than the humiliation he receives in this issue.

Monday, July 18, 2011

This was back in Supermans' blue period when Dan Jurgens was on the book. Basically Supermans' weird new powers were unstable without his uniform. I forget why he was apparently running around naked since he wasn't in it when Booster arrived. Well as "naked" as you can get in an energy form. This issue was important to Booster Gold lore for a lot of reasons. The most noted is usually the end of his armor phrase and return to a sleeker skintight costume a.k.a. the short lived 90s' asymmetrical design that people forgot he had in the 2000s (looking at you Kevin Maguire.)

Superman granted his request to help make another costume to match the power of the first one. Since Boosters' previously armor was totaled saving Supermans' life he decided that was fair trade. This issue also marks the end of their feud as Superman says he knows Booster doesn't only care about fame and money. He knows Booster likes being a hero (although it's not that deep down Clark, it's a huge part of his character.) I love how Booster is half playing this off as if it's no big thing and half acting like they were the best of buds before the "new" JLA came around.

And lastly on the top half of this page Clark is telling a curious Booster about the bottled city of Kandor. You know, the city Booster and Rip end up staying at in 52. Sometimes canon, whether planned or not, is awesome.

He is still something of an unknown that for some reason chose to hunt scarabs. Black Beetle constantly lies about his origins to keep foe and ally alike in the dark. But it's been hinted at in a future snapshot that Booster will know who he is when he's finally unmasked.

Why he's important to Booster:As we don't know who he is or what his reasons are beyond searching power we don't know if there's a personal stake in this. Black Beetle is a foe based on a darker image of Ted Kord. He's the first actual super villain anyone could say belongs to Booster instead of him "borrowing" from someone elses' rogues gallery. Black Beetle is a challenge to the Time Masters, someone who's always ahead of the game presenting an actual threat.

Suggested Reading:Booster Gold #24 Vol. 2. Actually the whole Day of Death arc showcases this but this issue specifically shows how manipulative he is. Not only does he use T.O. Morrow and an alternate Lex Luthor he tricks Trigon and the Time Masters. Messing up the timeline was just to create an item he needed to get more power, having it restored didn't matter to him one way or another.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Writing about my desire to see more interaction between Barbara Gordon and Booster Gold reminded me of their first on panel (to my knowledge) conversation. This was during Ted Kords' "missing" period which is supposed to take place between OMAC Project #1 and #2. Babs wasn't feeling too good given a virus she had named Brainiac but Booster asked for her help in finding Ted. (This was in Birds of Prey.)

Their next linear meeting (their time) is at Teds' funeral though our time it's when Booster attempts to save her in Booster Gold #5 Vol 2. But her first meeting with him is supposed to be back when she was Batgirl in BG #12 Vol. 2, although she doesn't recall it. Don't you love time travel?

This was another one I had to consider before I put on the list. Barbara and Booster are another pair that don't really have a definable relationship. They mainly know each other through other people. Nevertheless Barbara does play an important role in his second series. Though it would have been better if she knew about it.

Why she's important to Booster: I think every hero has at least one moment where they failed. While Barbara wasn't someone he could save because of solid time she was there to prove a lesson to him. But that's not why she's up here. Trying to help Barbara revealed Boosters' time traveling mission to Batman and later Dick Grayson. She's the reason the bats are his secret keeper (although I would have liked to see her in the know as well.) Barbara is also said to have been the woman Ted Kord loved, as such Booster seems to think highly of her despite her never returning Teds' feelings. It's interesting to note that when the JLA was sent to different levels of hell Barbara and Booster both went to the gluttony level. Booster because he needs to be needed by others and Barbara needs information.

Suggested Reading:Booster Gold #12 Vol. 2. Perhaps JLA 2011 80-page Giant would be a better pick since the two interact more. But I didn't read the whole thing and I hate to recommend a book that apparently was universally panned. In the BG issue Barbara has a chat with Booster as he tries to reason with someone who hasn't met him yet. Cute stuff with the bonus of her kicking Michelle in the face. Hey I like Michelle but even I can admit that was a cool kick.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Unlike Superman the dark knight has usually been pretty supportive of Booster Gold. There was only one infamous time where he wasn't although Batman wasn't without his more frustrated moments. And there were time where he sent mixed messages of how welcomed Booster was. (During the Gray Man arc he went back and forth on praising and complaining.) But I think that was more telling as being unsuited for leading JLI than Booster himself.

Why he's important to Booster: This actually goes back to the little known fact that Booster grew up in Gotham. Although it's never outright stated Batmans' influence is hinted at by a statue in the art. There's little doubt that he became a fan as a result. It's been assumed they met in JLI but their first meeting took place in Teen Titans when heroes were gathered to find the missing team. Booster must have made an impression when he answered "of course" when asked if they were willing to find the Titans or die trying.

Back in the early days Batman was the first big name hero to accept Booster. He agreed to have him in the league after fighting the Royal Flush Gang actually casting a smile his way. Now he's one of the few people to know the truth about Booster playing the fool to protect his greater mission. That's right, Booster has the long sought after Bat-approval.

Suggested Reading:Booster Gold #1 million Vol. 2 Just for the heartwarming feeling you get when Bruce tells Booster that he known what kind of hero he is for awhile and is giving his support. A moment that redeemed the Bat in fans eyes after him previously being a jerk and gave Booster the support he needed to go on. Proving Bruce does have a heart and understands Michael on a level you wouldn't suspect.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Basically the opposite of Jon Carter. J'onn acted as the field leader to JLI and a sort of parental figure to most of the league.

Why he's important to Booster: Although his role in Boosters' life isn't as well defined as some he's the authority figure that can't quite believe the kids are all grown up and able to make choice of their own. He's also expressed this with Ted as well. As a result J'onn seems to feel too guilty about his behavior to confront Booster, something he feels he should have done. What's ironic is that if J'onn was more involved in the two mens' lives then a lot of things could have been different. But despite knowing their heroes J'onns' own exasperation with them seems to have distanced them in the past.

Still it's been said by past league members how fond J'onn is of the JLI. Like Batman he seems more prone to making jokes around it's members. And he's fast to react (in most cases) when it's members are in danger.

Suggested Reading:52#24 This issue has J'onn feeling guilty for his past actions and current lack of actions in regards to Blue and Gold. He feels bad for how he completely blew off and ignored Ted. But he knows that he should have gotten over those feelings to be supportive of Booster to prevent his "death."